Earth as a Divine Trust: Quranic Reflections
Join Dr. Farhana Mayer (Laudato Si’ Research Institute, Campion College, Oxford) for an insightful session on the Qur’anic perspective on caring for our environment. Drawing from her expertise in Qur’anic ecology, Dr. Mayer will explore essential concepts such as humanity’s role as stewards (khalifa) of the earth, the view of creation as divine signs (ayāt), the inherent balance (mizān) of nature, and the role of divine mercy in the natural world.
Through this discussion, we will examine how Qur’anic verses address environmental harm resulting from human actions and how they offer a profound roadmap for practical stewardship rooted in faith.
This event is jointly hosted by the Eco Committee at the Islamic Shi’a Ithna-Asheri Jamaat (ISIJ) of Toronto, and the Shi’a Research Institute.
Farhana is a Qur’anic Hermeneutics scholar. She was formerly a lecturer in Sufism at SOAS, the School of Oriental and African Studies (2010–2012) and at the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London, where she lectured in Qur’anic Exegesis and headed the Graduate Programme in Islamic Studies and Humanities (2012–2015).
As LSRI Research Affiliate, Farhana has been working on a new publication entitled An Introduction to Qur’anic Ecology and Resonances with Laudato Si’. This book presents Qur’an-based theological and ethical principles that are applicable to integral ecology and that can be referred to by Muslims in addressing the ethical, ecological and environmental issues faced today. The study demonstrates that significant common ground exists between Qur’anic and Catholic Social Teaching perspectives with regard to these themes, including perceptions of the natural world as a precious part of God’s creation; the interrelatedness of all creation; the understanding of humankind as the being in whom earth and spirit are conjoined; the need for divine guidance; and the need for people to manifest ethical care towards other humans, all living creatures and the earth itself. Conceptual overlaps such as these provide a strong foundation for Catholic-Muslim interfaith partnerships, as we seek to care for our common home.
Farhana’s previous publications include: Spiritual Gems: The Mystical Qur’an Commentary Ascribed to Ja`far al-Sadiq (Louisville: Fons Vitae, 2011); Anthology of Qur’anic Commentaries: On the Nature of the Divine with F. Hamza and S. Rizvi (Oxford: Oxford University Press/Institute of Ismaili Studies, 2008).
Event Location:
Jaffari Community Centre
9000 Bathurst St, Thornhill, ON